An after school program at Selma High School encourages students to become pioneers in science, technology, engineering and math.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Career Academy holds meetings twice a month for students interested in those fields. The Selma Chapter of The Links, Incorporated sponsors the program.

Links president and the academy’s coordinator Charlotte Griffeth said the organization saw a need for a STEM program at the high school, similar to those in lower grade levels.

“The Selma Chapter of Links wanted to help elevate the high school students in those STEM areas,” she said. “We want to make sure we bolster and boost those kids and push them towards some of those areas where we are underrepresented.”

Engineering students from Tuskegee University paid a visit to the academy Tuesday to answer questions about college and discuss opportunities in engineering. The four college students discussed topics ranging from dorm life to searching for jobs.

Electrical engineering major Tuski Mason, of Lancaster, Calif. was happy to share his love of engineering with the high school students.

“I think it’s something we as engineers should do,” he said. “I think it’s our mission or our job to come back and show them engineering is there. It’s fun. It’s doable.”

The students also worked together to conduct an experiment using a radio-controlled helicopter.

Matthew Smith found the exercise to be entertaining and informative.

“The person flying the drone shared some great information. He told us in a few years that (drones) will supposedly deliver our mail,” he said. “He shared some interesting facts.”

Through the academy, students will also be able to job shadow professionals, earn scholarships and learn more about financial aid.

This week, STEM students will visit Tuskegee to get an in-person look at the university’s engineering department and tour the historic campus.

“We want to see S.T.E.M. emerge in the schools, especially at the high school level,” Griffeth said.